Silversea launches new direct flight to Antarctica

Silversea Cruises has launched a new fly-cruise service to Antarctica which will save guests about four days at sea.

Named Antarctica Bridge, the new service is available on 12 cruises aboard Silver Explorer from December 2021.

Sales open next Tuesday, December 10.

Flights from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island in Antarctica will be operated on a private plane reserved exclusively for Silversea's guests.

Hosted by Silversea representatives and offering travellers a business-class configuration, the flight will take two hours each way, meaning guests will avoid approximately four days at sea on the return journey.

A bespoke in-flight entertainment programme, which will include Zodiac and IAATO briefings, will be tailored entirely for Antarctic expeditions.

"This is a defining moment for Silversea's expedition offering: Antarctica Bridge will revolutionise the way in which our guests discover Antarctica," said Conrad Combrink, Silversea's senior vice president of tour operating, expedition & destination management.

"The luxury of choice is a key feature of our cruise line's offering; our new Antarctica Bridge service expands our guests' choices. Many will still choose to cross the epic Drake Passage, which is an unforgettable experience in itself, but Antarctica Bridge is perfect for time-conscious travellers, as it will immerse guests into the White Continent in a shorter time frame.

"This builds on our existing offering, which comprises many 10-day voyages, as well as 18-day expeditions and longer, which are the ultimate in deep exploration. With the launch of Antarctica Bridge, our guests will be able to choose from 59 Antarctica voyages."